This government has taken over the task of supposedly caring for those in need.
This was and is accepted by most of the church in America as right and good, because like everything else, is absolved the individual to do charity and put it within the province of government to handle.
This too absolved the church in it’s responsibility, and many were happy that the funds saved by no longer needing to do James 1:27, could be spent on the gilded chairs, blue wigs and coffee shops in the atriums of newly finished mega church buildings.
I cannot say I am sorry for painting with such a broad brush - because this depraved culture that the lukewarm church has lost to Secular hedonists, are the fruits of what I charge.
The church is the complicit party in helping the government replace it’s role in doing charity and James 1:27, of which it was our individual responsibility within the congregation to provide. So much so that government has now replaced God in the religion of many in this nation in decline towards collapse.
As a matter of biblical record, tithing was done BEFORE the Law of God was handed to Moses (i.e.: Abraham and Melchizidek). And since John 1:1-3, 14 was cited - I bristle at the suggestion that tithing and all aspects of the Law of God are no longer valid. Clearly it was Jesus Himself who made all things and did all things in behalf of the Father. That would include writing the Commandments and even all the ordinances of which tithing was also part.
God loves a cheerful giver, and while mandated tithing does not encourage a cheerful giver, willingly offering the first of your labors to God, is not just a test of faith - but it often opens the gates to blessings one may never realize and puts their heart in the place they place their treasure.
This government has taken over the task of supposedly caring for those in need.
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Those of you who hate Catholics and Mormons should probably not read any further than this.
In the godless society our country is becoming perhaps there is a need for what the government does. Whatever the government does it absolves no church that follows Christ from its duty to take care of the poor, widow and the orphan.
It is very shameful that there are churches who give only a tiny amount of support for those categories of people. I noticed that the Catholic Church however supports Catholic charities and does much to help those in need throughout the world.
I notice also that the LDS church spends a great deal of money on caring for those in need. The LDS church has a loan program in the Third World to help its members become educated above and beyond their welfare system. Members who would like to use the loan program can borrow money to be used for education and can then pay it back upon completion if they feel they can. Members donate money to the program and successfully educated members donate money into the program so that there are always funds growing in the program. The LDS give not only a fish but also a hook.
Catholic charities and the LDS give money to people regardless of their church affiliation or faith in many cases and never ask for any it to be repaid.
I believe that charity is one of the signs of true love of Christ. When I see churches that have no outreach program but simply teach for filthy Luker I feel like I see a church that has lost the love of Christ in it.
When I have questioned ministers of churches that do not have an outreach or charity program yet have radio and television programs that bring in the vast majority of their income and asked them why. They tell me that their job is to preach the word of Christ and educate people about the Savior and that they are doing that. Maybe I’m hardhearted but I don’t believe it.
James said “ show me your works and I will show you your faith”, I say “show me your charity and I will show you your love of Christ”.
It is sickening that anybody would think that the law of tithing is done away with or that because of taxes we are absolved of the responsibility. Of course taxes were paid in the day of Christ on the earth. Why do you think Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem. Why do you think the Lord said give unto Ceasar what is Ceasars?
Tithing is 10%.
Tithing is given every year. It just goes to different causes in different years. While I have no scriptural reference to back it up I do believe that if tithings are dispersed to all needs every year then the one third requirements can be done away with as long as needs are met. Again I have no scriptural authority to back that up.
Levite priests were unable to raise food for themselves because they didn’t have land their sole means of support had to be their work as Levites. The Levites did not live a lavish lifestyle. People were Levites by birthright, being born into a Levite family sentenced you to a life of priestly function. There were a few Levites who became leaders and therefore managed to make money but for the most part Levites were poor,much more like Catholic priests then Protestant Ministers Who drive Cadillacs or Mercedes-Benz.
When I was a young man many ministers were poor, today I see just the opposite. When I was a young man the thought of entering the priesthood or the government was to serve, now it is to be served. To me it is shameful for a priest or minister who lives off of tithes and offerings to have a better lifestyle than to those to whom he preaches. It is just as sickening however to see those who lord over us in government have salaries way in excess of the average in our communities who pay them.